We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jawaher Albader a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jawaher , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents never doubted my love for art making. They trusted me completely when it came to any act of choice regarding art. In fact they had a genuine respect for any art work that I made. Especially my mother, may her soul rest in peace. Sometimes my art is very direct , sometimes it would be in a form of a reactive painting made after a fight, or graffiti that I painted in my bedroom. Never did she criticize those pieces. When it was time to paint my bedroom, she specifically kept my ‘graffiti’ and painting around my piece. This was the greatest support my mother has given me. She honored every art believe like it was an extention of me. This gave me confidence and respect for other people’s creations. Art is a sacred individual endeavor.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am painter from an early age. Colors, textures and expression was my way to processing the world. In the late 80’s I was mentored by a Palestinian painter, who opened my world to painting with watercolors and oils from still life. This part of my life was important in relation to my role in my country as an Art Educator. I completed my bachelors, masters as well as my Doctorate degree all in art and art education. This gave me a wide range of experiences which provided me with tools with art education for children, adolescents as well as adults. I taught in schools as well as in universities. I did research about how art education is taught different cultures. This experience provided me with access into the culture, I was able to support many induviduals to find their voice through art, and created opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to connect through art making. Art as a medium for bridging and co-creating realities.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Artists have deep insights that today are much needed in societies and cultures. Art should be experienced first hand; not through a glass, or screen. Ideally in my opinion artists need to be visited in their private studios. Governments should encourage artist communities, through designated zones, by mandating a budget for art pieces in all municipal facilities, encouraging school children to visit the art studios, the embracing of art in culture. All of those are examples and opportunities for encouraging a healthy creative ecosystem.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The best part of being an artist, is that no matter where I am physically, emotionally, personally ; I always have my art practice as a companion, a witness, a way to process my life journeys. It is a privilege to be connected to a rich internal world, that is easily enriched by opening up to all challenges and hardships of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.jawaher albader.com
• Instagram: @artstudiokwt